my new Uglyjeep build-up

[j20owner]

Originally Posted by Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81

What year astro is that seat out of?

Yes, do tell. My 'Levi' seats are shot.

[Heavy_Metal_Thunder_81]

Any word on them seats?

[uglyjeep]

On the t-18 dana 20 combo vs. the sm465, I made the decision to go for the jeep parts because I had planned on getting it driveable quicker. I did have the choice to go for a 465/205 combo - the total price would have been the same, but I went for the easer and faster instalation. Yes, I do still believe it was easier to deal with the adapters than entirely swapping drivetrains, but to what extent I'm not sure. I do kind of regret not going for the 465 and 205.

As for the seat - I think this one came out of a late 90's model. These seats were (are?) an option, as I know the plain bench was available at the same time (I have one that I was going to use until I found this). All the rear astro seats I have seen are the same width.

[uglyjeep]

IT'S ALIVE!!!

I just started the diesel and ran it numerous times. It now starts quickly and idles smoothly (so much smoother than the 225 in my 6) and revs up fine.

I had to play with the fuel system to start it though. After bleeding the filters as per GM instructions I tried starting it. No fire. I sprayed WD-40 in the intake while cranking - no fire. Turns out it had air in the lines from the IP to the injectors, and new WD-40 doesn't work so well to start diesels. During this process I ran my brand new (small) AGM battery dead.

I tried to jump a few batteries together to crank it over - no go. I then made use of the boost function on the cj's OBW. 200 amps directed straight to the little AGM brought it right back. That and an old can of wd made quick work of bleeding the lines.

I did find one issue - my throttle cable is too short. It holds the throttle open quite a bit.

If all goes well I will be able to test drive the truck this weekend

[jaber]

Congrats on the start up. Thanks for the up date.

Now we just need a video as proof....

[uglyjeep]

I've been working OT every day during the week and on Saturdays, so no time for the jeep (and the money still seems to disappear just as fast as it normally does ). But I did get a chance to actually look at the j-20 axles.

I decided to look up the BOM numbers to make sure of the year and application for the brake parts I need to order. The axles are both 74 j20 axles, that originally came with 3.73s and open diffs. I then pulled the rear cover to investigate the diff - 1970 dated powr-lok. The housing was full of sludge but the ring gear is in perfect shape. I pulled the front cover and found decent looking gear oil. The front has a trac-lok built in 1988 with some slight surface rust one of the spider gears. I'd rather have a powr-lok in the front and the detroit in the rear - like I was told that they had... Oh well, two LS diffs are better than nothing.

[uglyjeep]

Well I found a NOS 3.54 gear set with install kit (new bearings to replace the crap ones ) for 10 bucks! And a brand new lock right for under 150!

I don't have to keep looking for 8 lug 15 inch rims with 2.5 inch backspacing!